A team of 250 specialist investigators is involved in the probe and detectives have started seizing evidence.

Detective Superintendent Fiona McCormack, who is overseeing the investigation, said building materials had failed fire safety tests.

She said:  “Whilst of course we are examining, with experts, the aluminium panelling we are also looking at the entire exterior of the building.

“What that means is the aluminium composite tiles, the insulation behind it, how the tiles were fixed to the building as well as how it was installed.

“Our tests will look at each aspect individually as well as how they how all worked together as part of the building’s cladding.

“Preliminary tests show the insulation samples collected from Grenfell Tower combusted soon after the test started.

“The initial tests on equivalent aluminium composite tiles failed the safety tests.

“Such are the safety concerns with the outcome of these tests we have immediately shared the data with the Department for Communities and Local Government who are already sharing that information with local councils throughout the country.

“We will identify and investigate any criminal offence and, of course, given the deaths of so many people we are considering manslaughter, as well as criminal offences and breaches of legislation and regulations.

“In terms of seizing relevant material from a number of organisations – I can confirm that that work is already underway.”